ALMOST half of Brits don’t have a will – because they “haven’t got round to it yet”.
A study of 2,000 adults found 30% haven’t had one written because they don’t think they’re old enough.
And 19% don’t know where to start in getting one put together.
But it also emerged 24% would struggle to cover the cost of a family bereavement were they to suffer one now, with a further 21% unsure if they could.
Just a third (32%) have sufficient cash savings to cover their own send off, were it needed, and 19% have life insurance in place.
With those who do have cash set aside saving an average of £4,358.
The annual funeral report, released by British Seniors, also highlighted the rise in costs in recent years, with the average send off now standing at £5,212 – an increase of 15% in a single year.
And collating the average spend on all elements, a burial could cost as much as £11,348 while a cremation can cost £9,529.
A spokesperson for the insurance company said: “Funerals are an expensive business– and often, people don’t necessarily have plans in place to cover the cost.
“As a result, this can mean family are hit with unexpected bills, which is a huge stress at an already difficult time.
“This annual report captures all areas of spend when it comes to giving a loved one an appropriate send off – and it can be costly.”
The report, which also includes a poll of 1,500 adults who have planned a funeral in the last five years, revealed 44% paid for either some or all of the costs associated with their loved one’s funeral, with an average of £2,732 contributed out of their own pocket.
How to write a will
Start by listing all your assets and deciding who you want to inherit them, known as your beneficiaries.
Appoint executors you trust to carry out your wishes and, if you have minor children, name guardians for them.
Write the will clearly, including your personal details, the distribution of your assets, and any specific instructions, and ensure it is signed and dated in the presence of two witnesses who are not beneficiaries.
Store the will in a safe place and inform your executors of its location.
Review and update the will regularly to reflect any changes in your circumstances, such as marriage, divorce, or acquiring new assets.
The top reasons for having to pay for it themselves included unexpected deaths where no plans were in place, wanting to deliver a better send-off and a lack of money set aside.
But this left 28% feeling stressed and 23% overwhelmed by the additional costs.
A third of those involved in organising a funeral said it was more expensive than they had expected, according to the OnePoll.com data.
And 31% felt the ongoing cost of living crisis would make it harder to afford the ‘right’ send-off for a loved one.
A spokesperson from British Seniors Life Insurance added: “This report highlights how many aren’t prepared should the worst happen to someone they know – or even themselves.
“And as a result, that can leave someone dealing with not only the grief of loss, but difficult decisions to make financially.
“It’s important that people think about the bigger picture and ensure those nearest to them aren’t worrying about money at a difficult time.”
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.